Max Verstappen responded to Lando Norris’ recent remarks by suggesting the Briton is feeling pressure from the title fight.

After qualifying third for the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen said he still considers himself in the championship battle and noted that, from P3, he has less to lose at the start than Norris or Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen said he will take opportunities without doing anything unnecessary. He addressed Norris’ earlier comments made in his absence during the Sprint press conference, saying the McLaren driver may be experiencing a tougher weekend while still holding a lead in the standings.

Verstappen also referenced his greater title-fight experience. When Norris claimed Red Bull “talks nonsense,” Verstappen replied that he “always puts facts on the table,” maintaining his stance in the ongoing exchange.

Lando Norris pushed back against Max Verstappen’s recent comments following the Qatar Sprint, where Norris finished ahead of the Dutchman and gained one championship point on him.

Norris said Verstappen was never a major threat during the Sprint and that his focus was on tyre management and holding off George Russell.

Responding to Verstappen’s claim that he would already be champion if driving the McLaren, Norris said Verstappen is free to say what he wants given his four titles, and added that he respects his achievements.

Norris stated that while Verstappen is well-informed on some topics, there are others where he “doesn’t have much of a clue.” He also described Red Bull’s communication style as aggressive and suggested Verstappen often “talks nonsense,” while McLaren prefers to stay focused.

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